Tractor transmission casing

Abstract

A transmission casing for a tractor, eg on agricultural tractor, having a three point linkage for lifting implements, incorporates reinforcing bars (22) running the length of the casing to the top and on each side. Turnbuckles (26) allow the bars (22) to be placed in tension, thereby placing in compression the upper parts of the castings (1, 2, 3) making up the body of the transmission casing. In this way, the load bearing capacity of the casing the and thus of the tractor may be increased.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A transmission casing for a tractor comprising: a main body defining a length; and   a bar secured to a portion of said main body by brackets at first and second spaced apart positions thereon, said bar being under a tensile load so as to exert a tensile force on a portion of said casing, said bar and said brackets extending over substantially the entire length of said main body.   
     
     
       2. The transmission casing for a tractor defined in claim 1 wherein said bar includes means for adjusting said tensile load. 
     
     
       3. The transmission casing for a tractor defined in claim 2 wherein said bar has a thread formed thereon, and wherein said means for adjusting includes a turnbuckle meshing with said thread. 
     
     
       4. The transmission casing for a tractor defined in claim 3 wherein said bar includes first and second sections having opposite handed threads formed on adjacent ends thereof, and wherein said turnbuckle meshes with said opposite handed threads formed on said first and second sections of said bar. 
     
     
       5. The transmission casing for a tractor defined in claim 1 wherein said bar is a first bar and said brackets include a first bracket, and further including a second bar secured to a portion of said main body by brackets at first and second spaced apart positions thereon, said second bar being under a tensile load so as to exert a tensile force on a portion of said casing, said second bar and said brackets extending over substantially the entire length of said main body. 
     
     
       6. A transmission comprising: a casing;   an input shaft extending within said casing;   an output shaft extending from said casing;   a plurality of gears supported within said casing and selectively connectable between said input shaft and said output shaft for providing a plurality of speed reduction gear ratios therebetween; and   a bar secured to said casing at first and second spaced positions thereon, said bar being under tensile load so as to exert a tensile force on a portion of said casing.   
     
     
       7. The transmission defined in claim 6 wherein said bar includes means for adjusting said tensile load. 
     
     
       8. The transmission defined in claim 7 wherein said bar has a thread formed thereon, and wherein said means for adjusting includes a turnbuckle meshing with said thread. 
     
     
       9. The transmission defined in claim 8 wherein said bar includes first and second sections having opposite handed threads formed on adjacent ends thereof, and wherein said turnbuckle meshes with said opposite handed threads formed on said first and second sections of said bar. 
     
     
       10. The transmission defined in claim 6 wherein said bar is a first bar, and further including a second bar secured to said casing at first and second spaced positions thereon, said second bar being under tensile load so as to exert a tensile force on a portion of said casing. 
     
     
       11. The transmission defined in claim 6 wherein said bar is secured to a portion of said main body by brackets at first and second spaced apart positions thereon. 
     
     
       12. The transmission defined in claim 11 wherein said bar and said brackets extends over substantially the entire length of said main body.